Nuapada bypoll: Voting begins across 358 polling booths with 14 candidates in fray

Polling began on Tuesday morning for the Nuapada Assembly bypoll, marking the start of a closely watched electoral contest in western Odisha. Over 2.53 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes across 358 polling booths in the constituency, which fell vacant following the death of four-time MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8, 2025.

Voting commenced at 7 AM and will continue till 5 PM in most booths. However, in 47 remote and Maoist-affected polling stations, voting will conclude an hour earlier, at 4 PM, to ensure the safe return of polling personnel before nightfall.

Triangular Contest Among Major Parties

The by-election has evolved into a triangular fight between three prominent candidates: Jay Dholakia of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Snehangini Chhuria of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Ghasiram Majhi of the Indian National Congress (INC).

The stakes are high for all three parties, as the outcome could influence the political narrative in western Odisha.

Jay Dholakia, son of the late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, is contesting on a BJP ticket, banking on his father’s legacy and local goodwill. Snehangini Chhuria, a former minister and two-time legislator from the same constituency, represents the chief opposition BJD and is seeking to reclaim lost ground. The Congress, once a strong presence in Nuapada, has fielded Ghasiram Majhi in an effort to regain relevance in the region.

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Heavy Security And Air Surveillance In Maoist Zones

To ensure a free and fair election, the administration has implemented an extensive security plan. Fourteen companies of central armed police forces have been deployed across the constituency, working alongside the state police. In the 47 sensitive and eight highly sensitive booths, additional armed personnel have been stationed.

Because several polling stations are located in inaccessible or Maoist-influenced areas, particularly near the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, polling teams were airlifted by helicopter. 

According to election officials, the Election Commission coordinated independent helicopter sorties, arranged through the Indian Air Force, to ferry polling personnel and election materials to these difficult terrains.

Senior police officers said round-the-clock monitoring is underway, and mobile teams have been stationed on key routes to respond to any security incidents. Checkpoints have been set up at strategic points to prevent the movement of outsiders and the distribution of illicit inducements.

Webcasting And EVM Readiness For Smooth Polling

On Monday, final logistical and technical preparations were completed as polling officials moved Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units, and polling materials to all 358 stations. Each polling party consists of five government employees accompanied by security personnel.

District Election Officer Pradeep Kumar Jena said all booths are being monitored via webcasting, allowing the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bhubaneswar to oversee polling in real time.

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The Election Commission has put in place additional measures for voter facilitation, including ramps, drinking water, and first aid. Polling personnel were instructed to strictly adhere to election protocols and report any irregularities immediately through the control rooms.

Authorities have confirmed that counting of votes will take place on November 14, 2025, at the district headquarters under three-tier security arrangements. The counting venue will be equipped with CCTV cameras and restricted entry to authorised personnel only.